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Monday, January 19, 2009

A Proud Moment!

Last Friday I spoke at my first grade son's career day. A year or two ago I wouldn't have imagined I'd be standing up in front of a classroom telling them about something cool (IMHO) like illustrating (which kept sounding better and better as I listed the benefits (sketching in your jammies, etc! ) LOL! When I began my presentation with asking how many of the kids liked drawing and making things with paper and glue, not surprisingly almost every hand went up. (Almost every person is born with a desire to create, we just stop as we start questioning whether our work is" good enough"; I know, it happened to me!) It was so exciting to share with them about my "jobs": illustrating stamps and designing cards, two opportunities I didn't even realize existed as a child! I really hope I was able to inspire his classmates who have the talent and interest in art to explore the possibilities and their potential (and if not art, then to find a way to get paid someday to do what they love!)

While I never have regrets about what I'm doing, as a mom there are definitely times I question whether the amount of time I spend on it is right for the rest of my family, we are fortunate enough that I don't need to work. I never tire of what I am doing (quite the opposite, it energizes me!) but my kids grow up as fast as any and designing, stamping, and blogging does split my focus, and sometimes means sacrifice. My hope, though, is that as they get older their love affair with art will continue to grow as I am able to share more of my craft with them, as well as seeing that I am doing something I am so passionate about, and that they in turn will makes choices to follow their own dreams and pursue opportunities, art-related or not, which will make them both successful AND happy.

The look on my son's face and his and their applause as I finished my presentation really said it all. (I'm so proud of my Jonathan, and knowing he is proud of me, too, means the world!) :) I want you to know your how greatly your comments and feedback touch me, too! They keep me going, creating and inspired to have soemthing new to share with you every day!

Thought I'd share this personal story today, on the eve of the previewing my first set of 2009, (12 months ago I released my first set ever!) I hope you love the new set! :)

Do what you love, and have a GREAT day! ( The peek will be up at midnight CST!!!!)

38 comments:

Terri E.
said...

That is a fabulous story! Thanks so much for sharing your world with us. I love all of the cute ideas you have for young children and I hope this new set will have some more applications. I made a tooth tin for a client's child and it made their day.

Thanks so very much, I sure wish we had inspirational speakers when I was in school, like I know alot of schools have today. I can just see that proud smile on your face. That is so great. TFS Hugs n Stuff, Lynne

WoW how cool to be an idol in your sons eye. What a great story and to be able to tell young kids your story and your love of stamps. To let them know that dreams come true will for sure inspire them. I know each day you inspire me with your creative talent. Can't wait to see your new release. TFS

what a great story and I think you are so right we all have it in us but than start to think we are not good enough. I do it now I start looking at all the talented people and the cards etc and think mine is not that good maybe I shouldn't post it but I am trying to stop that as they say beauty is in the eye of the beholder right LOL I think your children will only learn that anything is possible by your talent and success Hugs'Norine

I am so proud of you! I understand how doing this was the last thing you'd have imagined yourself doing. You are an inspiration for believing in oneself and going for it. I've always felt my creativity was waiting to burst out, and paper crafts has definitely helped me realize that little dream. I pray it will continue and grow for me, you, our children, all the other creative people out there who haven't realized it yet. Blessings to all!Julie

What a huge amount you have achieved this last year Melanie - I bet you and your family are as pleased as punch for you. That's a lovely story - good luck with your new set - I bet it will knock our socks off!

What a beautiful experience Malanie! I know you're making a scrap book page to capture the day! :o) I love every age! Mine are 20 and 18 now and I treasure those moments when they were younger... and moments today.

I have goosebumps reading your post today! I work for an international Logistics company and my oldest son signed me up to speak to his 10th grade Global Studies class. I was so nervous and really thought that my career would be boring to these 10th graders. I ended up being invited to speak at every social studies class in his school and the kids were so into what I do. My son was so proud and I was so happy to do him proud. It's such a good feeling to know that our kids are proud to have us as their parents :)

Congratulations! You could be spending 40 hours away at work, another 5 driving, and missed your son's career day. Melanie, I'm sure you have better balance than many. You only question it because you love what you do, and sometimes it doesn't seem that your dream could be your reality! Thanks for sharing your wonderful story along with your amazing talents with no only us but with all the grade 1's that will truly be inspired by the opportunities that lay ahead.

Great story!! You are right that it is so important to do something you love! Even though you balance a busy schedule, doing something you love decreases the time you have to spend being grumpy about work or this or that. I love it when my nieces and nephews are amazed by a craft that is so much fun to do. When I made the earrings and pins out of your stamp set for the JDRF Walk, he said "wow, you can make everything" Such a great feeling. Can't wait to see what you've got up your sleeve for this release!!

Thanks for sharing your loving story. Your stamps & creations show the love & pride you share with your family & the passion in your work. You continue to inspire us all. Can't wait to see your NEW stamps. - Marlene

What a touching and memorable moment for you AND your son! Thank you for caring enough about your "proud online fans" to share such a precious part of your life. Kids watch and learn so much from us! Though I am no where near as talented as you, when I go to my craft room to create, MY first grader HAS to do something as well. BUT her last comment to me was, "mom, someday I want to be an artist just like you - you just inspire me SO much!" LOL just males your heart smile, doesn't it?! Thanks again for sharing a little part of your personal world. I'm sure we all agree you ARE a wonderful artist AND mother!!

What a special day for you both. It was so wonderful you could share your special talents and zest for your craft for that important audience. Thanks so much for sharing your experience with all of us.

If you ever doubt the time you spend on your love of creating, just remember the pride on your son's face! What manner of presentation could you have given with such inspiration and apsiration if you hadn't blogged, created images, etc. You took the right path! Your son's face and your pride prove it. Lovely story.Viv xx

Thanks for sharing your wonderful story, Melanie! That must have been a great experience for both you and your son! I'm sure you were both very proud in your own ways! Kudos for pursuing what you love to do and for bringing so much inspiration to others! You are so very talented - it's a blessing that you can share that talent with so many! Can't wait to see your new designs!Carla

What a fabulous story. My hubby has spoken on more than one occasion with his bandmates in elementary schools on career day. You see, one of his bandmates has a day job as a children's counselor. Just recently, they played a few shows on the Eastern side of the state and met up with a young man (over 21 to be in the bar) who has just dedicated his life to music as a result of the career day talks that my hubby and bandmates gave. He gave my hubby a recording of his music and it is quite good. You just never know what will touch someone else!

Melanie, this is such a wonderful story. How inspiring for the kids in your son's class, and for him! Kudos to you for following your dreams. And, yes, you are a wonderful mom. Part of being a good mom, is teaching your kids how to be happy. Your kids will remember and have the fortitude to go after their own dreams and know they can succeed.

I always loved going to my kids classes to present or help. It's such a great experience being with the kids. I've been meaning to email you about how much I love your Year of Flowers and the word set that goes with it. If you'd like to see several ways that I've used it you can visit my blog at http://www.indianainking.blogspot.com. I can't wait to see what you have in store for 2009!Hugs,Donna

Very touching story Melanie. Because we are humble people, we don't realize that just one smile, word or action can make a difference in someone else's life. You are a great inspiration, TFS your wonderful words and creations.

Thanks for sharing the story. Its really nice to know that your kids and other kids look up to u and its even better when they want to be like u. Hopefully, atleast one of them got inspired to be as artistic and creative as u!

Melanie - thanks for sharing your story. It is great for your kids to see that their mother's work is something she really loves to do and isn't just a job to bring home the bacon. I would give my right arm (except then it would be hard to create things!LOL) to have a job like yours! I work every day and wonder why I am here other than to bring home the money that pays for all of my kids lessons and activities! At least I can still create things in my spare time! It's always hard to balance work and hobbies and time for our kids; we all struggle with that. You are just lucky to have your work and hobbies be one in the same so you can show your kids how great it is to do something as work that you love to do! That will inspire them and teach them a lot. Can't wait to see the rest of your new set! :)

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All Content including, designs, concepts, text, and photographs are COPYRIGHT2015 Melanie Muenchinger. Original artworks are shared for your personal enjoyment only and may not be used for publications (print or online), galleries or contests. Thanks so much for your support!

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About Me

I am a stamp illustrator, author and Senior Design Team Member for Gina K Designs and a WAHM of two terrific boys. I've been stamping and creating cards and other papercrafts for 14 years, and was one of the Splitcoast Original Dirty Dozen Team (melmel). My first book of stamping tutorials came out in January 2012 and the second in May 2013. God has blessed me beyond measure with opportunities to use my gifts and a loving husband who supports my work and art. I pray you find inspiration in the creations and stories I post here!